Inflammatory pathologies (different forms of diabetes, sclerosis, arthritis, bowel diseases, psoriasis, etc.) are collectively a larger burden to Western societies than cancer. The talk will focus on the current state of anti-inflammatory therapies and the strategies leading to the rational development of biologically responsive materials. Specific emphasis will be given to the use of oxidants (Reactive Oxygen Species = free radicals) as markers of inflammatory processes and triggers of materials responses.